Mark your calendars. The 2018 MLS schedule has arrived. Now it’s time for some hot takes. Here are my top five matches on the schedule. What are yours?
5. October 17, Orlando City SC vs. Seattle Sounders
There is just something about the purple and rave green color combo that makes these matchups so appealing to me. The match will mark the Sounders first at Orlando City Stadium, and with it coming so late in the season it could hold playoff implications for both squads.
4. March 17, New York City FC vs. Orlando City SC
After serving his two-match suspension to start the season, this will mark the debut of new acquisition Sacha Kljestan. I’m overly excited to see this man play in purple. City matches in New York also tend to be a bit crazy, so this one is a can’t-miss for me.
3. September 8, Sporting Kansas City vs. Orlando City SC
The return of Dom Dwyer to Kansas City. A chance to watch at match at Children's Mercy Park (my second favorite venue in the league). This one checks two big boxes for me. I love the intrigue of a former player, especially one as loved as Dom, returning to the ground he once called home.
2. May 13, Orlando City SC vs. Atlanta United
It’s the first of three matches on the year between the two teams and could very well set the tone for the two that follow. Rivalry or not, the matches in 2017 between these two sides were some of the most entertaining of the season. The Lions played well against the Eastern Conference upstarts and will look to start the series off right by grabbing three points in Orlando.
1. March 3, Orlando City SC vs. DC United
There is just something about Orlando City home openers. The energy. The drama. There hasn’t been one that has disappointed yet. This season, it will be our first chance to see many of the new faces on the team and it will be a long awaited reunion with the supporters. Just give me some purple smoke, a beer, and some goals and I’ll be happy.
